CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Originality => Topic started by: curtis0916 on May 19, 2019, 03:41:05 AM

Title: 1968 LeMans Blue Paint Code
Post by: curtis0916 on May 19, 2019, 03:41:05 AM
I'm trying to verify the correct paint code or formula for LeMans Blue for my 1968 Camaro.  I would appreciate any assistance with this.  I have seen several "LeMans Blue" Camaros, but the paint color appears to vary car-to-car.
Title: Re: 1968 LeMans Blue Paint Code
Post by: Fred Mertz on May 19, 2019, 04:16:16 AM
The color number is 71.
Title: Re: 1968 LeMans Blue Paint Code
Post by: Jon Mello on May 19, 2019, 04:39:43 AM
For '68 the paint code is the letter U.  It changed to 71 in '69.
Title: Re: 1968 LeMans Blue Paint Code
Post by: KurtS on May 19, 2019, 04:47:33 AM
I think he's looking for the formula.
http://www.autocolorlibrary.com/aclchip.aspx?image=1968-Chevrolet-pg01.jpg

You will need to spray out a sample and compare it to original paint. Some brands are more accurate than others when they convert to base/clear.
Title: Re: 1968 LeMans Blue Paint Code
Post by: firstgenaddict on May 19, 2019, 06:17:51 AM
I have done a few spray outs recently for Corvettes and sent them in to the NCRS paint guru's, the most accurate metallic sprayouts were done as follows. 

Scanned the color in the dealer album - and then reduce the metallic content that the camera reads by about 20% - in addition add 20% flattener in order to knock the Urethane look off of catalyzed paint. 

The way you shoot it will alter the color, most of the guys painting NCRS Corvettes are also shooting one coat of pure base, 2 coats of 50% base 50% clear with a wide open fan pattern, then one coat of clear. This will get you very close to a lacquer look.
Title: Re: 1968 LeMans Blue Paint Code
Post by: maroman on May 19, 2019, 10:44:48 AM
Differences can come from what type of paint is mixed, whether base clear, lacquer, urethane, etc.
Title: Re: 1968 LeMans Blue Paint Code
Post by: curtis0916 on May 20, 2019, 01:18:38 AM
It is the formula I am looking for, I should have been more clear.  I have looked at several Camaros that are said to be painted Lemans Blue, but there are obvious differences between them.  I'm just trying to get as close to the actual/original LeMans Blue as I can.  Attached is a picture of the initial sections that have been painted.  I know pictures online are not always clearly representative of the actual, but I thought I'd include it for reference.  The color doesn't look quite right to me, but I thought I'd get the opinions and input of those much more familiar with this than I am.
Title: Re: 1968 LeMans Blue Paint Code
Post by: Jon Mello on May 20, 2019, 03:00:26 AM
That looks pretty dark to me. Here is some original paint from my LeMans Blue '68 Z project for comparison.
Title: Re: 1968 LeMans Blue Paint Code
Post by: maroman on May 20, 2019, 04:37:32 AM
That is what I mean by different types of paint will have different formulas. The same size metallic might not exist in base clear as in lacquer or urethane. Or the same base shades of blue or red. The formula will change by what TYPE of paint you are using. They will tell you it is U but the actual shade will change.
Title: Re: 1968 LeMans Blue Paint Code
Post by: Tinkerr on May 20, 2019, 08:19:13 PM
My Lemans blue 68 was repainted about 10 years ago. The color is very similar if not identical to the paint posted by Jon Mello. The paint/body shop was doing paint and body work for a Camaro resto shop here in Md. The restorer didn't do my car, but introduced me to his paint and body guy. He had just finished a 68 Z/28 in Lemans blue for the restorer and painted my car after that one. I kept the label off the can, but there is paint obscuring the formula. PM me I'll give you the names of said persons you may be able to contact them to get the correct formula. Paul